Would you bend down to pick up a dirty penny from the pavement?

According to research, 87 per cent of people in the south-east would pick up stray cash they saw it in the street – whilst the average person garners £4.42 in dropped coins and notes every year.

Moreover, 42 per cent admitted to bending down for as little as a penny – whilst 21 per cent said they keep their eyes peeled for stray cash when out and about.

However, the research from TopCashback.co.uk also suggests millions of people (11 per cent) would not stoop to pick up less than 50p - and has found people in the south-east are in a moral dilemma about what to do with the money.

Of those who said they would pick cash up off the ground, just over half (52 per cent) would apply the finders keepers rule.

Whereas fearing being guilty of stealing, one in five (21 per cent) claimed they would donate the cash to charity, whilst 18 per cent would try to return it to the rightful owner.

Meanwhile, seven per cent would be kind enough to donate the funds to a homeless person or busker.

A sensible 11 per cent would add it to their savings pot, whilst two per cent would buy a treat, and a further two per cent would hand the cash into a police station.

Top Cashback also found residents were more likely to return the cash if the rightful owner was obviously nearby.

A huge 89 per cent said they would chase after someone if they saw them drop their earnings, although 10 per cent said they would not bother to run after someone who was deemed to be “too far away”.

Only a third said they would be more likely to hand the money in if someone saw them picking it up.

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Consumer Affairs Editor at Top Cashback Natasha Rachel Smith said: “Our research shows there’s a moral split amongst residents in the South East when it comes to what should be done with money found on the ground.

“Most people try to do the right thing and return cash to its rightful owner. However, when it comes to those lost pennies that can’t be reunited with the owner, they can be a helpful little boost, whether added to a savings pot or simply put towards everyday spending.

“The old-age saying of ‘look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves’ seems hugely relevant here.”